Title

Author

Degree Name

EdD (Doctor of Education)

Program

Educational Leadership

Date of Award

12-2013

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Pamela Scott

Committee Members

Cecil Blankenship, Virginia Foley, Don Good

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore regular education teachers’ perceptions of inclusion. The participants of this study were K-12 regular education teachers located in Tennessee’s First region. Specifically, this research explored (1) perceptions of the impact of inclusion on instructional strategies, (2) perceived level of preparedness to effectively teach students with disabilities (3) professional development needs of regular education teachers instructing students with disabilities, and (4) collaborative relationships between regular and special educators. The data sources analyzed consisted of a survey design using a 4-point Likert scale. Each research question had a corresponding null hypothesis. Each research question was analyzed using a single sample t-test with mid-point of the scale (2.5) as the value representing neutrality. All data were analyzed at the .05 level of significance. Findings indicated that participants’ overall perceptions of inclusion were significantly positive.